Penn State protects child rapist that was former famous D-Coordinator

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PottedMeat

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
12,363
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20ze8tu.jpg
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,994
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What exactly is unique about it in regard to the fans that is so different than any other big program?

How about I use your comment just before you posted this one, as a start:

Bo spent 20 years at Mich, 27 years for Woody, 15 for Barry, 29 for Knight. Joe spent 61 (45 as head) years coaching at PSU, it's not even close. That amount of time, with the overwhelming (overt) positive impact (now having changed, of course) what would you expect? Of course they'll merchandise the Hell of out it. Joe coached 3 times longer than most of PSU's students have been alive. So I'm not sure from where the surprise is coming. That said, I sure as Hell wouldn't want any of that merchandise now. I imagine their will be some serious filler for landfills in the near future.

this type of unprecedented hegemony in a specific collegiate athletic culture absolutely breeds a different kind of fan....as you are suggesting here, perhaps without intending to.

One of his nicknames was "The Mayor of Happy Valley," wasn't it? What do you think that kind of general recognition from the wider sports world instills in the smaller population of people and fans that actually live within this town, and how they perceive the importance of said culture?
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
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How about I use your comment just before you posted this one, as a start:

Well, considering Joe's dead and rotting, and his legacy is forever (rightfully) tarnished; I fail to see how using him as the current state of uniqueness applies. That part of the culture has already been definitively changed.
 

Gigantopithecus

Diamond Member
Dec 14, 2004
7,664
0
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That part of the culture has already been definitively changed.

The statue still there? Paterno's name still on the library? State College's economy still dependent upon PSU football and selling products with JoePa's name on it?


That's a lot of evidence that no, the culture there has not changed. Despite national outrage, nothing substantial has changed at State College.
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,994
31,555
146
Well, considering Joe's dead and rotting, and his legacy is forever (rightfully) tarnished; I fail to see how using him as the current state of uniqueness applies. That part of the culture has already been definitively changed.

well, you were asking about their fan base, and that's what I'm talking about--one predicated on cult-like worship of an old codger.

If you are reading something different from what I am reading on the PSU websites about their current opinions of Paterno, and if you think it is unrelated to that 61 year tenure of his....I'm all ears.

Until then, I will continue to subscribe to the "uniqueness" theory that is PSU fandom.
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136
The statue still there? Paterno's name still on the library? State College's economy still dependent upon PSU football and selling products with JoePa's name on it?

I'm sorry every trace didn't vanish overnight. The products will fade, and I'm hoping the library will be named and the stature removed as things progress.

That's a lot of evidence that no, the culture there has not changed. Despite national outrage, nothing substantial has changed at State College.

I don't see how you can make that statement. I know a lot of people still involved with the university and there is quite a bit of change in SC from faculty, to students, to residents. Feelings toward Joe have absolutely changed for many. I'm asking though, what would be substantial change? What exactly is supposed to be changed?
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136
well, you were asking about their fan base, and that's what I'm talking about--one predicated on cult-like worship of an old codger.

If you are reading something different from what I am reading on the PSU websites about their current opinions of Paterno, and if you think it is unrelated to that 61 year tenure of his....I'm all ears.

Until then, I will continue to subscribe to the "uniqueness" theory that is PSU fandom.

It's simple denial. People loved the guy for 61 years, they just need some time for their defensiveness to relax and let it sink it. The idolatry of Joe will fade in time. You expect it to occur overnight? That's just not natural, even in these circumstances.
 

benzylic

Golden Member
Jun 12, 2006
1,547
1
0
Board of trustees announced the statue is coming down, probably over the weekend. I expect statement from paterno family condemning this shortly